Dennis is the first to say every goalie knows he's only as good as his next game.

For Dennis, that comes tonight, when he starts his third straight playoff game against Kitchener.

Gerald Coleman was relegated to the bench after losing Game 2 in the OHL Western Conference final.

"It's obviously a nice confidence boast but Gerald is just as capable," Dennis said yesterday.

The Knights alternated goalies through the playoffs until Dennis stole the show in the opening minutes of Game 3, when Kitchener had a five-on-three power play a full two minutes and Dennis slammed the door.

"When I get the nod, I just want to make sure it's a quality start," said Dennis, now 7-0 in the postseason after Wednesday's overtime win. "It doesn't really change anything. You come to the rink prepared the same way."

Even though Coleman is now watching after posting an OHL-record 1.70 goals-against average in the regular season, he's still supportive of Dennis.

"I got my chance and we lost. I made my contribution to the team in the beginning of the year (during the 31-game unbeaten streak) and in some playoff games, so it's not that bad. I'm not playing right now, but as long as we keep winning I'll be happy and any championship is a team effort and I was part of the team."

Coleman said being challenged "is always going to make you better as you go.

"If I do go to the NHL (he's a Tampa Bay Lightning draft pick), I'm going to be battling for No. 1, so it's better to start now than later."

Coleman said he can learn from Dennis, who went to the Memorial Cup with Guelph last season after the Storm knocked off the Knights in the conference final, then swept Mississauga in the league final.

"He did it last year in Guelph and I think that's the one advantage he has over me is the experience.

"We've never been rivals since he got here (from the Storm on Jan. 10). We just want to win and that's our common goal."